A Grandmother from Robeson County wins a big jackpot recently

An emotional scene unfolded in a Robeson County convenience store Monday night after Jo Jones of Pembroke won a $1 million prize.

“I started hollering and running through the store,” Jones laughed. “I ran to the front and said, ‘Y’all I won $1 million.” Jones bought her lucky $10 Million Spectacular ticket from Kwik Stop on U.S. 74 in Rowland.

“It’s like a dream,” she said. “This still just feels unreal.” Jones, a grandmother of 13, said she plans to use her winnings to help out her family. “I always said if I ever win the lottery I’m going to help my children,” she said. “I’ll help them in any way I can.”

When Jones arrived Tuesday to collect her winnings, she had a decision to make. She could choose to receive her prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000.

She chose the lump sum of $600,000 and, after required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $429,014.